Did you know that the people who show kindness receive benefits from their actions? It’s true – it’s nice to be nice!
Here are 6 benefits of kindness experienced by those who give it, demonstrating the true power of kindness for all.
Without kindness, our world would be filled with strife, discontent, and anger. We’d see relationships fall apart or never start, countries disintegrate into constant war, and our world completely changed.
Without kindness, people would never demonstrate compassion to others, and societies would simply fall apart.
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It’s Nice to Be Nice: Understanding Kindness
As children and adults, we seek kindness from our loved ones. We often encounter it in unexpected ways and extend it to those who need it most. Each day, we both give and receive kindness in various forms.
Kindness inspires us.
It builds and deepens our relationships.
We cherish the kindnesses we have experienced, both given and received.
Kindness nurtures, heals, strengthens, and uplifts us.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that kindness is more than just a virtuous trait.
It has tangible benefits for your mind, body, and emotions.
Ultimately, kindness serves as a cornerstone for a fulfilling life.
It’s Nice to Be Nice: 6 Positive Effects of Being Kind
1. Kindness Makes You Happier
When we perform random acts of kindness, we activate areas of pleasure, social connection, and trust in our brains.
Good deeds make you feel good, and performing good deeds will improve your mood and increase your self-esteem.
2. Kindness makes you happier and happiness makes you kinder
Research shows evidence of a “positive feedback loop” between kindness and happiness.
When you are happy, you are more likely to feel giving and kind towards others.
When you express kindness, you feel happier.
It’s a self-perpetuating loop of goodness.
3. Kindness creates social connections and bonding
As humans, we’re programmed to be a part of a group.
Being a part of a group and having social connections has been proven to enhance our physical performance and boost mental clarity.
Being kind allows us to be a welcome group member and demonstrates belonging.
4. Kindness helps with the Physical healing process
When healthcare is delivered with kindness it can hasten the healing process, thereby shortening hospital stays.
Kinder care leads to a range of outcomes including reduced pain, lowered blood pressure, and less anxiety for both the patient and caregivers.
5. Kindness can decrease or help prevent diseases
Kindness lowers our stress and anxiety levels.
It decreases pain because of the endorphins and feel-good hormones released at the time of the act of kindness.
Positive emotions from kindness boost your vagus nerve – the nerve which regulates blood sugar. This helps the body prevent diabetes, strokes, and heart disease.
6. Altruism has been shown to stimulate the reward area of our brain
Studies suggest that we get high on being kind.
Random acts of kindness release dopamine into your system, which is a chemical messenger in the brain that can give us a feeling of euphoria.
This dopamine effect is temporary, however – which is why acts of kindness should be repeated consistently!
The rewards of acts of kindness are many. They help us feel better and they help those who receive them. We’re building better selves and better communities at the same time.
Dr, William IsHak, Professor of Psychiatry
Cedars-Sinai Hospitals
Additional Reading:
- 9 Simple Ways to Show Kindness in Everyday Life
- 8 Podcasts About Kindness You Need to Hear
- How to Write a Self-Compassion Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Use Affirmations for Kindness and Compassion
- 50 Everyday Acts of Kindness That Make a Difference
- How to Be a Good Neighbor: Build Kindness in Your Community
- Social Self-Care for Women Over 50: Building a Strong Community
- 65 Social Self-Care Activities: How to Build Powerful Relationships
Final Thoughts on It’s Nice to Be Nice: How You Benefit from Being Kind
Without kindness, life would be isolating, marked by anger, despair, illness, and stress.
Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact, benefiting both the giver and the receiver.
When we offer kindness without expecting anything in return, our lives become more peaceful and joyful.
What can you do today to spread kindness?
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Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!